The software giant had caused uproar in the global printing community with its decision to have a send to FedEx Kinkos button in the new Adobe Acrobat 8.1 and Adobe Reader 8.1.
However after intense pressure from printers, particularly the powerful Printing Industries Association of America, the company has remarkably recognised its error, and will invest serious money in rectifying the situation. Adobe will now create new versions of Acrobat and Reader, 8.1.1, which will have no FedEx Kinko's button, and which will automatically update all existing versions of the software, including versions 8.1 which contain the controversial button.
PIA/GATF President and CEO Michael Makin, who earlier told Adobe that printers felt 'terribly betrayed' by the company says, "We recognise that the company must have had to move mountains to retreat on its position, and we commend Adobe for its swift action. It has clearly restored confidence in our long-lasting partnership."
Adobe software engineers are fast at work producing Acrobat Reader 8.1.1 which they hope to have on the market within 8-10 weeks, which will be in October. This is lightening speed in terms of software releases. Once this new Reader is in place, anyone downloading the software will have no trace of the FedEx Kinko's link. Moreover, the new version will be constructed in such a fashion that those who currently have version 8.1 will see their buttons disappear with an automatic update feature.
The Australian print association Printing Industries has applauded the decision by Adobe to remove the controversial 'print to Kinkos' button in Acrobat 8.1 to send print jobs to FedEx Kinko's print shops.
Printing Industries CEO Philip Andersen commended Adobe for listening to
the print community and agreeing to take this action in spite of its agreement with FedEx Kinko's. He says, "Undoubtedly this has been a difficult time for Adobe, but they have acknowledged they made a mistake and they have moved to correct it," he said. "We commend this action which will help restore confidence in Adobe and its commitment to the Australian printing industry and our colleagues in the USA and other affected countries."
At a July 17th meeting with Adobe's CEO Bruce Chizen, Makin expressed the outrage of thousands of PIA/GATF members and recommended the move to establish a new version expediently. "The announcement today satisfies our demands and illustrates Adobe's commitment to industry partners like PIA/GATF and the thousands of independent printers it represents from coast to coast," concluded Makin.
According to the whattheythink.com website, as far as FedEx Kinko's is concerned, they will be able to distribute Version 8.1 to its customers, and he believes there will be no objection to that approach. The button will not appear in future releases. Makin adds, "Apparently, FedEx has also been very co-operative and magnanimous in its handling of this situation with Adobe. It is a tremendous day for the printing industry, and for independent printers. It signals….. that Adobe is concerned about its relationship with indpenedent printers and does heed the advice of the industry. I give kudos to the CEO of Adobe, who right from the start was sincerely contrite.
Makin believes that the solution is likely to cost Adobe financially, but the move indicates Adobe's belief that the continued support of the industry is worth it. He adds, "It was magnificent, and almost unheard of for a Fortune 500 company to take an action like this so rapidly."
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